Andre’s mission is to help children develop healthy strong relationships that allows them to reach their full potential. To ensure that every young person has the supportive relations they need to grow and develop into thriving, productive & engaged adults. He shares his story about growing up in Raleigh without a father figure an his time in prison.
Demetris Burke was born in New York, New York but was raised by his mother and grandmother in Bertie County. Labeled by the justice system as a habitual felon by the age of 20, he was convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to sell and deliver and received probation. Mr. Burke continued to participate in the drug gang and was eventually arrested for trafficking crack cocaine. And was sentenced to four years in the NC Department of Corrections.
On August 15, 1996, Daryl Atkinson began serving a prison term with the Alabama Department of Corrections for drug trafficking. Prior to that time, he lived a completely selfish life. He did exactly what I wanted to do, when he wanted to do it, and who he wanted to do it with. In hindsight, he thought his selfish behavior would bring him the happiness and peace that he so deeply desired but it only brought him misery and pain. He indulged in drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviors to try and fill a void that he felt deep within. Nothing worked, no matter what he tried and believe me he tried a lot, he always ended up completely spiritually, mentally, and physically bankrupt.
Veronica Everette’ holds a degree in education from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She
has taught in the Philadelphia school system, has been an independent training consultant winning numerous training contracts with the Washington, DC, local government and with several federal agencies, and has worked for 16 years with the U.S. Department of Treasury,Financial Management Service as a training specialist.
Shortly after his release, Baqir Mujahid sought the services of Community Success Initiative to network and find opportunities to assist in a smooth reentry. This led to taking a Building your Business class through CSI’s collaboration with Good Work, another Triangle area nonprofit.